The aim of my PhD project is to determine the impact of secondary metabolites on the ecology of Bacillus subtilis. My work will include comparative genomics, secondary metabolite profiling, bioactivity screens and genetic modification to understand the abundance, the biofilm formation ability and biocontrol properties of B. subtilis strains, isolated from diverse soil ecosystems. Subsequently, the real ecological importance of secondary metabolites produced by B. subtilis will be revealed by microcosm experiments.